Kelowna

Photo: Contributed - Lesley-Anne Evans

File photo from Kelowna: German short haired Pointer Emmy would like to chase her new friend, but the fence stops her. Dogs chasing deer is an issue on Knox Mountain.

It's a growing trend the City of Kelowna wants to nip in the bud - dogs chasing deer in Knox Mountain Park.

The problem appears to be caused by dogs being walked in the park off-leash.

"Knox Mountain Park, while used heavily by residents is a wildlife area," says Urban Forestry Supervisor Blair Stewart.

"Year round, wildlife is present in the park and the temptation to chase wildlife can prove too great for off-leash dogs. It;s not just wildlife they chase but also other dogs and people who might not appreciate it."

Regional District dog control staff patrol the park at least once a day - including a a walking tour of the Paul's Tomb trail.

Owners of pets that come into conflict with a wild animal could face a $345 fine.

Kelowna does have nine off-leash parks within city limits. These include:

• Cedar Creek Park, 5200 Lakeshore Rd.
• Duggan Park, 1494 Bernard Ave. (small dogs only)
• Ellison Centennial Park, Old Vernon Road at the Ellison Firehall
• Enterprise Way Dog Park, 2500 Enterprise Way behind the Shaw Cable building
• Knox Mountain Park, fenced dog run located just inside the second gate
• Mission Recreation Park, fenced area off Lexington Rd. near Mission Creek Greenway parking lot
• North Glenmore Dog Park, across from the landfill
• Rowcliffe Park (Central Green Park), 575-599 Harvey Ave.
• Rutland Recreation Park, Hartman Rd.